House-to-house Collections Licence and Advice

View more information about House to House Collections

Opens in a new windowTo hold a house to house collection you need a licence from us.

Do I need a licence?
If you want to visit houses (or businesses) in Surrey Heath Borough Council to ask people to give money or other property to charity, benevolent or similar causes, you must obtain a House-to-House Collections Licence.

However, there are some exceptions:

You will not need our permission in the following circumstances:

• If you hold a local collection over a short period of time and you have obtained a certificate of permission from the police
• If the collection is part of a national collection scheme and you have an exemption from the Secretary of State
• If you are carrying out a charity collection, but only on the street. In this case, you will need a separate street collection permit from us
• If you are selling goods door-to-door. However, you must not suggest that the proceeds of the sales are going to charity
• If you are only leaving a static collecting tin in a place of business (e.g. a pub) that you will pick up later.

House to house collection licences are regulated by the House to House Collections Regulations 1947.

What happens after the collection?
You will need to submit a form of income and expenditure to tell us how much money was raised and the amounts used for expenses such as printing, stationery, collecting boxes,etc.

The form is commonly known as a return form and must normally be sent back to us within one month of your collection.

How do I apply?
Please follow the links below to submit an application or a return form.

• Apply for a House to House Collections Licence Opens in a new window

Submit a Return Form

• Submit a return from a house to house collection. Opens in a new window

What does it cost?
There are no costs involved in applying for this licence.

What information or evidence will I need to provide?
You will need to complete an application form and supply a statement of accounts (return) for any previous similar collections you have carried out.

We have to consider if you are a 'fit and proper' person and to also make enquiries about the amount of money you are likely to raise, balanced against the estimated payments to collectors. We might ask you to submit to a police check. We will also need to be satisfied that any collectors you use are fit and proper.

Are there inspections or assessments?
Our licensing officers and/or the police may visit you and you should be able to present your licence at any time. Your collectors should also have a badge confirming their details and if appropriate, those of the charity they are collecting for.

How long does it take to make a decision and issue the licence?
Applications can take up to 28 days to process. Once we have considered the application fully, we will issue the licence.

If I don't hear from you for 28 days, can I assume it's been granted ("tacit consent")?

No. It is in the public interest for us to consider your application fully. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service Opens in a new window or use the contact details on the right of the page.

How long does the licence last, and what is the renewal procedure?
The licence is valid for the period requested only and you must apply for a new licence for each subsequent house-to-house collection.

If I'm turned down, how do I appeal?
Please contact us in the first instance.

You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office Opens in a new window. You must do so within 14 days of our decision.

Consumer Complaint
If you have a complaint against a trader, we would always advise you to first contact the trader, preferably by letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are in the UK, Consumer Direct Opens in a new window will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre. Opens in a new window or direct to Surrey Heath Borough Council on 01276 707626 or email: licensing@surreyheath.gov.uk.

Where can I go for further information?

• A summary of the regulation relating to this licence Opens in a new window
• Institute of Fundraising Opens in a new window
• The Charity Commission Opens in a new window

Is there a register?